Pac 10 Tourney

Emily on Cannon Beach
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks.

Just watched Cal hold off UW, wouldn't be surprised to see Cal win again tomorrow. UCLA is #1 in the West win or lose so a few extra days rest could help. If anyone wants a great example of what they call "Coach Speak" I hope they caught FSN's pre game interview with Kevin O'Neil. O'Neil basically said nothing, the interview was a waste of everyone's time. The man has the personality of Lloyd Carr it appears. As a final thought congrats to the Portland State Vikings on making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in their history.

Bubble Watch

Where is Nemo?
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks.

Here is what we know: With USC beating Stanford they have sealed up a bid no matter what happens around the country between now and Sunday and that leaves 4 Pac 10 teams as locks. We also know that UCLA is getting the benefit of the doubt from the zebras who as usual have embarrased the Pac 10. We know that Arizona could have sealed a bid and killed Oregon had they won Saturday night and they didn't. We know that no Pac 10 team has ever made it at 9-9 but this year a 8-10 team might make it over two 9-9 teams who both swept said team. We know that Oregon could go back and look at any of 5 games this year and had they gotten a win in any of them there would be no further conversation needed. We know that Lisa Love could have done a better job at not scheduling such a cream puff OOC schedule at Arizona State this year. We know that Kevin O'Neil is no Lute Olson. We know the next week is going to be very interesting the Pac 10 could get as many as 7 teams in or just 4.

Playoffs?

A Hike in the Nature Park
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks.

Well the Ducks squeezed one out against ASU last night and now face what may be a matchup for the 6th and final bid to the tournament from the Pac 10. Both teams are 8-9 and while Arizona does have the more impressive RPI and SOS number (Oregon's SOS is good as well) by beating the Cats the Ducks would have 2 wins over them. Whoever wins this one at Mac on Saturday will likely need to win at least one Pac 10 tourney game as well to be safe. I think Arizona will get the benefit of the doubt form the committe but with a loss they'd be 8-10 and no Pac 10 team has ever gotten in at even 9-9.

Last saturday Evie and I went for a stroll in the Tualatin Hills Nature Park near our home. I took a bunch of pictures and this one was my favorite. For anyone in the Portland area I highly recommend checking out this great park. I am only a 5 minute walk away from it but definitely don't go there as much as I should. It is a great oasis stuck in the middle of suburbia.

I Miss Maui!

Sunset Sail
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks.

Well haven't posted here in awhile but in the last month a lot has happened. The Patriots blew the Superbowl and the Oregon Ducks went n the tank and are on life support for the NCAA Tournament. In much more significant news Emily and I got married on February 9th in Maui. We had an amazing wedding and a generally great time in Maui. The only problem was coming back home. I miss the sound of the waves gently crashing against the shore while I fall asleep, I miss the warm weather, I miss the laid-back lifestyle of Maui, I miss being able go swimming in the ocean, I miss the beach, I miss looking out my window and seeing whales, Lana'i and Molokia, I miss hanging out at Maui Brewing Company but most of all I miss not dealing with the daily grind of life on the mainland.

My Daughter is Pretty Dang Cute . . .

Evangeline
Originally uploaded by pete4ducks.

So we are off to Maui soon . . . the cab picks us up in 6 hours, the packing is done and we are ready for our next adventure as a family.